Newcastle’s Bigg Market could soon be home to a new bar and restaurant, after plans were lodged by department store chain by TJ Hughes.

The company has asked Newcastle City Council for permission to convert its ground and basement floors into a new restaurant, which will also have a cafe situated outside.

Sketches of the restaurant’s front, drawn by Collective Design, suggest it will be called Swiss Cottage.

In the design statement TJ Hughes said: “It is proposed that this new venue becomes a high level operation which looks to operate from breakfast through the evening.”

It adds: “The introduction of this new venue will enhance the area, create jobs and develop a sustainable business.

“The design takes into consideration local and national planning policies to ensure that the scheme is delivered to the highest possible quality. It also looks to compliment the regeneration scheme which is investing into the surrounding areas.”

TJ Hughes estimates that if opened the restaurant will lead to the creation of six full-time jobs and 20 part-time jobs. It will occupy a total of 6,824sq ft and open between 11am in the morning and 2am in the evening.

TJ Hughes argues that the development fits in with the Newcastle NE1 Ltd’s plans to reinvigorate the Bigg Market by spring 2018. A total of £2.9m is expected to be spent on the area.